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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Notebooks > Day 7 with 12" Powerbook: AE card. New case. Stubborn Latch do-it-yourself fix!

Day 7 with 12" Powerbook: AE card. New case. Stubborn Latch do-it-yourself fix!
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sensorfreaky
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Feb 11, 2003, 08:22 PM
 
Time sure flies when you're having fun. It has already been a week and I am quite happy with my 12" PowerBook. With the recently added memory (maxed out to 640MB), all my framerate issues with running graphics-intensive games have been resolved. RTCW and WC3 run flawlessly, well at least as well or better than on my 17" iMac. Thanks to forum readers, I have even managed to get a no-CD hack for WC3 so that I will never have to carry my game disk around with my PowerBook and not to mention, ever have to hear that optical drive kick-in to check for the game-disc and sap precious battery power from my 'book when I'm unplugged and running on batteries. There have been numerous issues posted about this new powerbook, heat being the biggest, yet almost none of them bother me. I've done about everything I usually do on computers with my PowerBook, and not once has the left palm rest become too hot to really complain about. It's very warm at the most - and you should expect that from an aluminum-encased highly-capable notebook that displaces 27 cu inches less than the already hot 12" iBook... and the fact that it doesn't get as hot as expected is wonderful. Apple makes nice products, they can't make magic.

My only real issue since my purchase has been a slowly developing latch problem. For some reason or another, the darn thing gradually became stubborn and would not do what it was designed to do. This was not the case during my first 2 days of ownership. As of yesterday, the latch would not engage normally for what seems like 3 out every 4 attempts at closing the lid. Surely, you have all already heard or read about this problem through the forums. If you haven't, please take the time to vote HERE. Not wanting to part with my new precioussss err... I mean powerbook, I was determined to find a solution myself instead of giving it to the techs at Apple. After staring at the latch mechanism for what seemed like hours and contemplating what could possibly be wrong, I've come to the conclusion that the latch spring on my unit is too heavily sprung. Although this explains why the magnet would have a difficult time causing it to engage, it does not explain why this problem developed only after a few days of use since springs loads don't increase over time - they diminish. Regardless, I stuck to this theory and carefully devised a precise, well-controlled, systematic, and scientific approach at a permanent fix: I put tape on it. You read that right the first time. I put tape on it. LOOK HERE. The reason for this madness lies in the idea that the tape, if left on the latch for 24 hours at full extension (past normal engagement point), will cause the spring to lose some of its load thereby allowing the magnet to be capable of engaging it during normal use. Did it work? So far, it seems like it did. I left my PowerBook at home the other night with the lid open, tape affixed, and returned yesterday evening and removed the tape. Ever since then, my PowerBook has closed flawlessly. It now engages with a nice click without any excessive force. As soon as the lid comes in close contact with the base, the magnet sucks the latch out and *click* it's closed and the PB is asleep! The way it was designed to do. It has been a day now and I have not experienced a recurrence of the stubborn latch syndrome (SLS). If you or anyone you know has a 12" PowerBook with SLS, I highly suggest the scotch-tape treatment modality. It sure as hell beats giving up your new PowerBook for repairs only a few days after taking possession of it. No long-term prognosis yet, but for now I'll consider it as a permanent cure and I hope it stays that way.

Today, I also finally received my Airport Express card. Yay!!!! Installation was a snap (literally, more on that) and I've yet to test it since my base station has not arrived yet. I will soon be testing it at my local Starbucks playing WC3 on battlenet and downloading porn when my gf isn't looking Now as far as the "snap" goes... when I unlatched the battery, I heard a weird springy sound followed by a snap. Uh oh!! And I was being extra-super-careful too. After installing the AE card, I replaced the battery and thought things were fine and the snap was normal. Not so. The battery would not unlatch anymore. Something must have broken. No misuse on my part - strictly by the book according to Apple's online KB pdf and documentation! Oh well... at least the AE card is in, the battery is secure (though no longer removable), and I just have to worry about getting it repared by Apple whenever I can bear to part with it (not any time soon).

Last but not least, I also received my booq powersleeve 12. This is thing is better than I expected - it's awesome. Quite possibly the best $39 I've spent in a long while. The nylon material is no joke! It is fabric that feels and looks like it's tough as nails and there seems to be plenty of padding lining the sleeve to protect my PowerBook from getting dinged or from small accidents. Because it's a perfect fit, it is every bit as compact as the PowerBook itself and can easily be stowed inside a backback if needed. In front, there is a nice zippered flap compartment that will only fit a few cables like the VGA and S-video adapters. However, in the rear, there is a zippered pocket that goes the entire length of the case that can accomodate accesories like a mouse, power adapter, some cables, even an iPod. Snug but they fit if you really need them with you. Detachable shoulderstrap is plain, not padded, but functional so wearing it is acceptable since it looks pretty cool without being too tacky. You may be able to find nicer shoulder straps if you really need one because the clips are pretty universal for most camera cases/small bags. My favorite feature of this case is the vertical orientation of the powerbook which means I can have the ports sticking out the top so I may charge the battery while keeping the powerbook inside the case. Overall, highly recommended! I was originally going to get the new Willow bags but I didn't like the gaudy reflective stripes on it so I went with booq's and I'm very glad I did. Here are some PICTURES of the case.
( Last edited by sensorfreaky; Feb 11, 2003 at 08:27 PM. )
     
skyman
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Feb 11, 2003, 08:41 PM
 
Originally posted by sensorfreaky:
Time sure flies when you're having fun. It has already been a week and I am quite happy with my 12" PowerBook.
Keep the great reviews coming. It's forum members like you that make MacNN a great source of information.
     
TheBum
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Feb 11, 2003, 11:08 PM
 
Originally posted by sensorfreaky:
Last but not least, I also received my booq powersleeve 12. This is thing is better than I expected - it's awesome.
Thanks for that particular review. This is the bag that was at the top of my list and it's good to get some details as to accessory storage. It sounds like it'll work well for what I want to put in it. I'll have to go ahead and order one. Maybe by the time I get it, my expensive toy will be back from the shop.
     
sensorfreaky  (op)
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Feb 12, 2003, 12:38 AM
 
Originally posted by skyman:
Keep the great reviews coming. It's forum members like you that make MacNN a great source of information.
thanks for the kind words.


Originally posted by TheBum:
Thanks for that particular review. This is the bag that was at the top of my list and it's good to get some details as to accessory storage. It sounds like it'll work well for what I want to put in it. I'll have to go ahead and order one. Maybe by the time I get it, my expensive toy will be back from the shop.
Yes, they deliver quick. I ordered friday, got it today (tuesday). Ya should've tried the home scotch-tape remedy before parting with your new toy so soon. Glad to say that my latch is 100% functioning normally for two days now ever since the half-day scotch-tape treatment. I wonder if the techs at the Apple store know about this non-surgical route before they start gutting your PowerBook

Edit: nevermind... you had the problem with the latch not closing enough to allow the PB to sleep right? No home remedy for that as far as I know.
( Last edited by sensorfreaky; Feb 12, 2003 at 12:46 AM. )
     
vmarks
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Feb 12, 2003, 12:48 AM
 
I was thinking about how you could fix this without dissassembly or tape.

I think if you used a magnet to pull the latch down, and then wrapped coils of wire around it, and then connected the two ends of the coil to a strong battery (automotive variety), you could boost the magnetic qualities of the latch itself. The more coils the stronger the boost.

I haven't done this and am not responsible if you do.
( Last edited by vmarks; Feb 12, 2003 at 12:55 AM. )
If this post is in the Lounge forum, it is likely to be my own opinion, and not representative of the position of MacNN.com.
     
TheBum
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Feb 12, 2003, 12:50 AM
 
I missed the PowerSleeve12 pics the first time I read your review. Thanks for those; they give me an even better idea of usefulness of this bag. I now have one on order.
( Last edited by TheBum; Feb 12, 2003 at 01:08 AM. )
     
sensorfreaky  (op)
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Feb 12, 2003, 12:56 AM
 
Originally posted by vmarks:
Mine is going to be repaired.

But I was thinking about how you could fix this without dissassembly or tape.
Why not tape? It's not like I left the tape in there. I simply used it as a temporary fixative to stretch the latch's spring for about 12-hours then removed it. Worked like a charm. That's probably what the Apple techs are doing to yours right now... except they're using special high-quality Apple-brand repair tape
     
ymmit
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Feb 12, 2003, 01:04 AM
 
MORE of such updates PLEASE!

The latch solution sounded logical. but if the tape solution works, then logically leaving your notebook lid closed for an extended period will work too (since, when closed, the latch will be extended, and the spring stretched).

Unless of course the spring isn't fully extended when the lid is closed.

and mustn't tape it too long as well: else you'll have the latch peeping out of its hole all day long

More updates please!
     
sensorfreaky  (op)
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Feb 12, 2003, 01:13 AM
 
Originally posted by ymmit:
Unless of course the spring isn't fully extended when the lid is closed.

and mustn't tape it too long as well: else you'll have the latch peeping out of its hole all day long
Yup. When closed, the latch isn't fully extended which is what made the tape solution so promising. And you're right, if I had left it on too long, the spring tension would've pooped out for sure.
     
Hozie
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Feb 12, 2003, 06:01 AM
 
I think if you used a magnet to pull the latch down, and then wrapped coils of wire around it, and then connected the two ends of the coil to a strong battery (automotive variety), you could boost the magnetic qualities of the latch itself. The more coils the stronger the boost.
Yeah, and you could probably say goodbye to your harddrive that is situated close enough to the latch to be screwed up good from the magnetic forces acting on it...


Anyway, great review sensorfreaky and FANTASTIC solution! If I ever run into this problem myself, that's the first thing I'll try!
     
vmarks
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Feb 12, 2003, 06:49 PM
 
Originally posted by Hozie:
Yeah, and you could probably say goodbye to your harddrive that is situated close enough to the latch to be screwed up good from the magnetic forces acting on it...


Anyway, great review sensorfreaky and FANTASTIC solution! If I ever run into this problem myself, that's the first thing I'll try!
Nope. Remember, the latch is in the screen, not the base. boosting the magnetism of the latch couldn't harm the HD.

Tape? Not on my expensive new PowerBook.
Course, I'm not doing the coil-magnet-booster on it either.

The only real solution is the one performed by an Apple Specialist or authorized service provider.
If this post is in the Lounge forum, it is likely to be my own opinion, and not representative of the position of MacNN.com.
     
Hozie
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Feb 12, 2003, 07:01 PM
 
Nope. Remember, the latch is in the screen, not the base. boosting the magnetism of the latch couldn't harm the HD.
Maybe, but the magnet is in the base, innit?
     
lextek
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Feb 12, 2003, 07:49 PM
 
Could you give a link for the booq powersleeve 12???? Where to purchase?
     
SOLIDAge
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Feb 12, 2003, 07:57 PM
 
Originally posted by lextek:
Could you give a link for the booq powersleeve 12???? Where to purchase?
go to sfbags.com
waterfield design has better bags then that, and they're very very very good
     
sensorfreaky  (op)
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Feb 12, 2003, 08:01 PM
 
Originally posted by lextek:
Could you give a link for the booq powersleeve 12???? Where to purchase?
Here: http://booqbags.com/ps12.html
     
mikeylebeau
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Feb 12, 2003, 08:49 PM
 
Originally posted by solidage:
go to sfbags.com
waterfield design has better bags then that, and they're very very very good
Totally agreed. Just received mine and if you don't need to lug anything else around in the same bag, the Waterfield ones from sfbags.com are outstanding. Highly recommended. And they look a hell of a lot better than these booq things.

-mikey
15" TiBook RIP :(
12" AlBook (867MHz/60GB/640MB RAM/SuperDrive/Airport Extreme/Bluetooth) as of 20 Feb 2003
30" ACD, G5 (Dual 2.5GHz/500GB/4GB RAM/6800 Ultra DDL/Airport Extreme/Bluetooth) as of 15 Dec 2004
     
lextek
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Feb 12, 2003, 08:54 PM
 
I agree with the quality and outstanding customer service from Waterfield. I have one of their cases for my iPod. What bags/sleeves are you using. PB12"
     
sensorfreaky  (op)
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Feb 12, 2003, 09:44 PM
 
Originally posted by mikeylebeau:
Totally agreed. Just received mine and if you don't need to lug anything else around in the same bag, the Waterfield ones from sfbags.com are outstanding. Highly recommended. And they look a hell of a lot better than these booq things.

-mikey
Really? A workmate has one of those Waterfield sleeves for his Tibook and I particularly didn't care for the big "W/F" logo. The rest of the bag is really well made and the color scheme is almost identical to the Powersleeve 12 from booq. So what makes the the "booq" things so ugly? I just went with the booq because they were cheaper (they don't nickel and dime you with options like sfbags.com). For $39, I got a flap, two zippered compartments, and a strap (granted the strap isn't as nice as the W/F's). A size #2 bag from waterfield will cost you $70 with a flap and strap. Add compartments and you've got a pricey $92 sleeve. I compared the two bags today and the booq powersleeve has much thicker padding and seems to offer a better fit since sfbags.com uses generic sizing (#1-12).


Originally posted by lextek:
I agree with the quality and outstanding customer service from Waterfield. I have one of their cases for my iPod. What bags/sleeves are you using. PB12"
If you want the Waterfield sleeve, you'll need size 2 for a PB 12, size 11 for a TiBook.

W/F makes really cool messenger type bags. If you need more compartments, sfbags.com has much better offerings than Willow or Booq. Though I heard crumpler has a distributor in the US now.

Whoa!!! It's my 100th post!
     
vmarks
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Feb 12, 2003, 09:47 PM
 
Originally posted by Hozie:
Maybe, but the magnet is in the base, innit?
Sure, and polarizing the latch so that it attracts the base that much more would have no effect on the HD, but make it close that much more.

But hey. no worries, I won't be doing it anytime soon, if ever.
If this post is in the Lounge forum, it is likely to be my own opinion, and not representative of the position of MacNN.com.
     
mikeylebeau
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Feb 12, 2003, 10:04 PM
 
Originally posted by sensorfreaky:
Really? A workmate has one of those Waterfield sleeves for his Tibook and I particularly didn't care for the big "W/F" logo. The rest of the bag is really well made and the color scheme is almost identical to the Powersleeve 12 from booq. So what makes the the "booq" things so ugly? I just went with the booq because they were cheaper (they don't nickel and dime you with options like sfbags.com). For $39, I got a flap, two zippered compartments, and a strap (granted the strap isn't as nice as the W/F's). A size #2 bag from waterfield will cost you $70 with a flap and strap. Add compartments and you've got a pricey $92 sleeve. I compared the two bags today and the booq powersleeve has much thicker padding and seems to offer a better fit since sfbags.com uses generic sizing (#1-12).
The W/F logo is the only thing I dislike but I still highly prefer it to "booq" across the bag. I just don't like the looks of the booq bag at all, I know it's similar but something about it just doesn't work for me. Might actually be the logo. I haven't seen one in person, though. In your case the booq might have been a better choice; my priorities were slightly different in that I wanted something as small as possible while still protecting the thing while it sits in my backpack. Not only did I have no need for compartments, straps, etc, but they also just made the thing bigger which is exactly the opposite of what I wanted. As for thicker padding, again, it might be great for your needs but for me the Waterfield was perfect because I didn't want something as bulky as the booq.

-mikey
15" TiBook RIP :(
12" AlBook (867MHz/60GB/640MB RAM/SuperDrive/Airport Extreme/Bluetooth) as of 20 Feb 2003
30" ACD, G5 (Dual 2.5GHz/500GB/4GB RAM/6800 Ultra DDL/Airport Extreme/Bluetooth) as of 15 Dec 2004
     
Nawoo
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Feb 12, 2003, 10:16 PM
 
ANyone has any comments on the Radtech sleeves?
Are they just made out of just cloth and offer no protection whatsoever?
     
kakashi
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Feb 12, 2003, 10:23 PM
 
"Tape? Not on my expensive new PowerBook."

It's your 'book but i'm not sure the reasoning behind this. The tape isn't something that stays on it all the time, just for 12 hours. Then you take off the tape.
     
sensorfreaky  (op)
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Feb 12, 2003, 10:26 PM
 
Originally posted by Nawoo:
ANyone has any comments on the Radtech sleeves?
Are they just made out of just cloth and offer no protection whatsoever?
While those radtech sleeves are form-fitting and simple, they're not exactly stand-alone cases. They are basically a high-tech fabric sewn together as a slip-case for notebooks and designed to protect the unit from other gear when you put it inside a briefcase, backpack, luggage, or what not. No real padding whatsoever. So while it may protect from the elements, dust, and scratches, it will not protect from the rough and tumble of being carried by itself without being carried inside another bag.
     
tritonus
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Apr 25, 2003, 10:44 AM
 
so I went with booq's and I'm very glad I did. Here are some PICTURES of the case. [/B]
URL doesn't work for me.
SwitCHerland, Europe
17" PowerBook 1GHz | WaterField SleeveCase | LaCie d2 250GB | AirPort Extreme BS, AirPort Express | iPod photo 60GB
     
swsteckly
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Apr 25, 2003, 11:19 AM
 
I highly reccomend the Waterfield stuff. Terrific quality, which was totally unexpected.
     
tritonus
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Apr 25, 2003, 06:46 PM
 
Originally posted by swsteckly:
I highly reccomend the Waterfield stuff. Terrific quality, which was totally unexpected.
Can you elaborate on this?

I'm deciding between sfbags.com's Waterfield Sleevecase, booqbags.com's PowerSleeve17 and Tucanos Second Skin (Apple Shop Europe). I want a minimalistic sleeve.
SwitCHerland, Europe
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